Job search requirement becomes optional for unemployment insurance benefits

The Washington State Employment Security Department has waived its job search requirement for people to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign a proclamation for an emergency rule to make the job search requirement optional for all applicants. The measure will be retroactive to March 8 and will continue until further notice, according to a department release.

The department made the job search requirement optional Tuesday.

“Our top priorities in this crisis are to get benefits out to eligible Washingtonians as quickly as possible, help more people become eligible and help employers who are hiring get the staff they need right now,” Suzi LeVine, employment security department commissioner, said in a statement.

Inslee also issued an order to waive a one-week waiting period for unemployment claims, allowing payments to begin from the first week an applicant is eligible for benefits.